10 Best Headlamps for Camping in 2017

Camping is one outdoor activity worth looking forward to, and you have to have all the necessary supplies to make it absolutely enjoyable. If you’re planning on going on a camping trip, you would need a good source of light after sunset. It sure is never fun fumbling and tottering around in the dark while searching for something or simply trying to find your way to the restroom.

While flashlights are essential, headlamps have proven to be a better, more useful choice for a camping trip and many other situations. Here is a list of 10 best headlamps for camping to help you narrow down your options.

Note: As always, our table above provides a quick overview of the products in this roundup. If you are on mobile, you can scroll right and left to look at all the features of the table. If you do not see a table above this post, it means that it is not up yet and we will put it up soon.

1) Headlamp LED by LE

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

Lamp head 90° adjustable for oriented lighting

Three AAA batteries included

With two loop buckles and two adjustable buckles: maximum circumference measurement 21.6in/55cm;
minimum is 13.7in/35cm

Four lighting modes

Wattage: 1 watts

Type of Bulb: LED

Product Dimensions 5 x 3.4 x 2.8 inches

Item Weight: .25 lbs

If build quality, weatherproof feature, and brightness are your top criteria, this LED headlamp by LE surely fits the bill. Shining a good beam distance of up to 20+ ft on its brightest setting, this makes for an excellent light source around the campsite and in the tent. And if you ever end up in an emergency situation, simply flip it to the flashing red LED and you have a beacon that can last you even for days.

PROS:

Splash proof

Beam distance spans up to 20+ft on brightest setting

Bright, useful light

Superior build quality

Wide illuminating area

Head strap is steady and secure

Foam padding makes it comfortable to wear

Easy to use even when you have gloves on

Good value for money

Multipurpose/ versatile

CONS:

Needs supplementation especially for intense detail work on very dark corners

You would need a screwdriver when replacing the batteries.

Red LEDs tend to blink

Tilting mechanism has only three settings.

VERDICT:

Though lightweight to many, some reviewers find this headlamp heavier and bulkier compared to those from other brands. But with how useful it can be not just for camping trips, but even for cave splunking adventures, outages, and home projects, you can never go wrong with this product. This is most ideal for people who are on a shoestring budget but need good, hands-free lighting all throughout their camping trip. After all, getting one that is more expensive doesn’t guarantee better performance and longevity anyway.

You only have two hands. If you’ve ever trudged a narrow path in the night or changed tires in the dark, then you know how difficult it is to hold a flashlight on one hand and get stuff done on the other. While the market is replete with headlamps that promise to solve your dilemma for such situations, most of them are too heavy they can give you headache when wearing them. This non-bobbing, very lightweight headlamp by Shining Buddy can give you the long-lasting comfort and superb lighting that you need to make you enjoy your nocturnal adventure.

PROS:

Ultra lightweight

Superior battery performance– lasts up to 100,000 hours

Secure, non-slip strap

Lasts up to more than 12 hours of continuous use

Adjustable strap fits adults and children alike

Heavy-duty and durable

Unbeatable value for money

Very bright light, ideal for camping, night hikes and descents

Easy to operate

Red night visibility-saving and red strobe settings

CONS:

Battery button tends to be flaky

Wide reflection arcs that appear around the peripheral regions of the spot where the light shines on can be distracting

VERDICT:

At a price this is being sold at, you might expect something to last merely a few months at best and offer so-so lighting. You’ll be wrong on both counts. This is a comfortable, superior-quality headband that promises and delivers a very strong light, which make it highly recommended not just for camping trips, but for various situations.

3) Flagship-X Waterproof CREE LED Camping Headlamp

This waterproof camping headlamp by Flagship Expedition boasts the perfect balance between size and power in its design– so much so that it makes you forget you’re wearing it yet bright enough to help you see everything even up to 300 + feet away. While many products claim to serve one or a few of their various purposes, this Flagship-X headlamp makes no apologies for its first-rate functionality and performance.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS:

Crystal-clear white LED and bright 160 lumens powered by CREE XPE LED technology

CONS:

Not entirely waterproof, only splash resistant

VERDICT:

This product would’ve come out even better if it came with a more diffused beam and if it lives up to its waterproof claim. Other than that, it greatly serves its purpose. Its value, quality, and functionality are enough to entice you to get another one.

Keeping your hands free while lighting the trail on your way to your campsite is a must. Sure, that flashlight duct taped to your head might be a wallet-friendly option, but that can only do so much. This LED headlamp by Xtreme Bright flaunts a revolutionary breakthrough in outdoor gear technology. Its unique, versatile design allows you to use it as a handy bike headlight and as a reliable light source for camping, biking, jogging, and many other outdoor activities. Its digitally-regulated output provides up to 25 hours of consistently bright lighting.

PROS:

Light has an adjustable push-and-pull zoom feature

Powerful; impact-resistant

Battery pack comes in a clever design: rubber-like cover that slips over the batteries

Topnotch packaging

Easy-to-adjust head straps

Design of head straps distributes weight of headlamp evenly

Fares well in rain and in storm

CONS:

Lack of detailed instructions

VERDICT:

If you love to camp and go hiking at night, this headlamp is extremely useful. Add this one to your camping supplies, and it will come in handy one of these days. With the amazing adjustability of its light– like how you can set it to illuminate a larger area and narrow it down to a more specific location– we recommend this to any camper without reservations.

Whether you plan to head into the wilderness or hike the Appalachian Trail, this headlamp/flashlight from Vitchelo will give you the most of what you need (a bright beam and reliable outdoor gear) and the least of what you don’t (especially high-quality optics) for a reasonable price. Fully dimmable and easy to use, it comes with red and white LEDs that can be controlled with two separate buttons.

PROS:

Red LED can be used for reading, not just for flashing or emergency purposes

CONS:

Headlamp housing is made of lightweight plastic.

Because of its material, it may eventually wear off when constantly exposed to rain and sweat

VERDICT:

The V800 by Vitchelo provides similar quality to other lamps you might own between the $20 and $30 price range. It gives more than enough illumination you need it for around the campsite or when on the trail. However, if you are looking for maximum brightness and will need this continuously for several hours, then this might disappoint you as its batteries tend to drain too quickly. On the other hand, if you are looking for a headlamp that can give you excellent lighting for multiple shorter instances of use, then this option may even be better than those that you can see at this price point.

Cooking your backcountry meal with one hand while using the other to hold a flashlight can prove to be too cumbersome. You never have to go through such hassle again. This sturdy headlamp by Aennon tilts up to 60 degrees and allows you to focus light as you need it, so you’re sure to enjoy a decent meal under a banner of stars. Battery lasts up to 30 hours, so you have enough illumination to last you till the next camping trip.

PROS:

Convenient: USB rechargeable batteries

Power button is easy to find in the dark

Stretchy head strap with a soft, comfortable feel

Non-bobbing

Wide illumination span

CONS:

Light tends to flicker over time

Not waterproof as it claims to be

Not very durable

S0-so lighting

USB cord is not very long

VERDICT:

Don’t expect this product to hold up as well as Petzl. Its beam spread and light quality are among its significant drawbacks, but this headlamp delivers more than you might expect for its price. The fact that it is rechargeable means you never have to keep on buying batteries for each trip.

With its 25 lumen LED lighting, this headlamp by MhIL proves there is no task too big or too small that you cannot tackle– from camping, to exploring waves, to changing your tires at night in the middle of nowhere. It conveniently tilts, allowing you to illuminate your desired location– so you won’t trip or skin your knee on your way to the campsite.

PROS:

Weather- and impact-resistant

Nice, adjustable LED beam

Blinking light useful for emergency purposes

Comfortable head straps

Heavy duty

Easy to operate

Power button conveniently located

CONS:

Weak build quality

Strap stitching poorly done

Doesn’t come with instructions

Longevity of switch is problematic

VERDICT:

You have to have an ample supply of batteries to make sure this headlamp is fully functional, especially if you’re going on a two to three-day camping trip. Compared to those that are USB rechargeable, this is relatively inconvenient. Notwithstanding, this product can give you excellent, reliable lighting on your camping trip or third hand when performing tasks that need both hands.

If you are still holding on to your flashlight for your lighting needs, then you are missing out on a reliable tool that can help you immensely carry out your after-dark tasks. With its 1,800-lumen brightness and lifespan of up to 100,000 hours, the GRDE zoomable LED headlamp provides excellent, sustainable lighting to help you effortlessly pitch your tent on a moonless night. Its 3-in-1 multi-function design helps you maximize your camping trip.

PROS:

Head straps give comfortable and snug fit

Lightweight

Battery housed in a sturdy casing

Extremely bright light

Heavy duty

Convenient: USB rechargeable

Zoom feature allows you to focus your light on a smaller area and widen it for outdoor use

CONS:

Poor design: you may have to wrap Gorilla tape around to hold batteries in place

Charger cord is too short– runs the risk of being stepped on since you have no choice but to leave it charging on the floor

VERDICT:

If you’re headed to spend a night or two in the wilderness, this zoomable headlamp by GRDE can give you the most of what you need. Is this product perfect? Definitely not. The manufacturer has a lot to improve as far as its design is concerned. But given its convenience and what it can do versus its price, this is still a steal.

Your camping checklist won’t be complete with the InnoGear Max Bright Headlight. It is designed to make sure you don’t get stuck or injured when trudging through the dark. It’s 5,000 lumens, so you can never underestimate how useful it can be especially when you plan on hiking away from your camp.

PROS:

Memory feature (turns on where you left it)

Impressive illumination distance and width

Blindingly bright

Powered by rechargeable batteries– convenient

Heavy duty

CONS:

Battery drains pretty quickly

A bit bulky and heavy

VERDICT:

Pictures don’t do this product any justice– the lights shown aren’t as impressive as they actually are. However, this is a 5,000-lumen headlamp, so do expect it to be on the bulky side. This product is highly recommended for as long as you recharge the batteries consistently. It can last you up to five days of very heavy duty use.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, then you know exactly that it takes more than just a tent and a campfire for you to be able to survive through the night in the wilderness. Don’t ever pack your gear without the 5,500-lumen headlamp by Wsky. Its red light on the back of its battery holder gives you increased visibility in all directions, so you are sure of your and your loved ones safety in low light conditions.

PROS:

Superb, well-focused lighting

Amazing longevity

Easy to adjust lamp holder and head strap to suit your needs

Irradiation range is 2.5 times better than ordinary headlamps

Water-, weather- and abrasion-resistant

Multi-purpose, very useful

Comes with a red warning taillight

CONS:

Drains batteries fast

VERDICT:

For optimized efficiency and convenience all throughout your camping trip, this product is your no-nonsense lighting solution. This is especially recommended for those who have young children with them. Don’t hesitate to bring it even on a bad weather– its weather-resistant feature will surely come in handy.